Association of Shah-Waardenburgh syndrome: a review of 6 cases

J Pediatr Surg. 2008 Apr;43(4):744-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2007.11.023.

Abstract

Shah-Waardenburg syndrome (SWS) is a neurocristopathy and is characterized by Hirschsprung's disease (HD), deafness, and depigmentation of hairs, skin, and iris.

Objective: The aim of the article is to study the relative frequency of associations in 6 consecutive cases of SWS.

Methods: A review of 6 consecutive patients with SWS was performed to study the frequency of various components of the syndrome.

Results: Six patients had features of SWS. All patients had HD; of these, 3 had rectosigmoid HD, whereas 3 had extended HD. All patients had white forelock of hairs with skin depigmentation. One patient had sensorineural deafness, whereas other babies were less than 1 year, and thus, full evaluation of hearing deficiency was not assessed. Three patients had blue eyes, whereas other babies had normal iris pigmentation. Skin depigmentation was noted in 5 of the 6 patients. Three babies were seriously malnourished and showed higher association of enterocolitis.

Conclusion: Shah-Waardenburg syndrome is an uncommon association of HD. Depigmentation with a white forelock and skin manifestations are common, whereas blue iris, long segment disease, and enterocolitis are present in nearly half of the patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Enterocolitis*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural*
  • Hirschsprung Disease / diagnosis*
  • Hirschsprung Disease / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypopigmentation*
  • Infant Nutrition Disorders*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Rare Diseases
  • Waardenburg Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Waardenburg Syndrome / therapy